Choconut Caramel Bars

• 1 (11 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
• 5 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 c. coarsely chopped peanuts

1. Melt over hot (not boiling) water the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening.
2. Stir until chips melt and mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Pour 1/2 of melted chocolate into an 8-inch foil-lined square pan; spread evenly.
5. Refrigerate until firm (about 15 minutes).
6. Return remaining chocolate mix to low heat.
7. Combine over boiling water the caramels, butter and water. Stir until caramels melt and mixture is smooth.
8. Stir in nuts until well blended.
9. Pour into the chocolate lined pan.
10. Spread evenly.
11. Refrigerate until tacky, about 15 minutes.
12. Top with remaining melted chocolate; spread evenly to cover caramel filling.
13. Return to refrigerator and chill until firm (about 1 hour).
14. Cut into 1 x 2-inch rectangles.
15. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
16. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen candies.

chocolate chips, caramels, water, vegetable shortening, butter, peanuts

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=925181 (may not work)